Get ready to transform your ordinary chicken dinner into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! This Citrus and Oregano Chicken is not just a recipe; it's a flavor explosion that combines the bright, tangy notes of fresh citrus with the earthy warmth of oregano. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts infused with a vibrant marinade that promises to elevate your cooking game from mundane to magnificent in just 45 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 oranges, juiced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning.
- In a mixing bowl, combine fresh orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour marinade over them, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat, adding a small amount of additional olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and season again with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in the hot pan, cooking for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- During cooking, occasionally baste chicken with remaining marinade to enhance flavor and keep meat moist.
- Once cooked, remove chicken from heat and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring tender meat.
- Slice chicken and garnish with fresh oregano leaves or additional citrus zest if desired before serving.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your chicken come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent dry, tough meat.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Browning: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from chicken breasts. This crucial step helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown exterior.
- Marinade Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. Those 10-15 minutes allow the citrus and herbs to penetrate the meat, creating deep, complex flavors.
- Heat Control: Use medium-high heat to get a perfect sear without burning the marinade. A cast-iron skillet or grill pan works best for maximum flavor development.
- Basting is Brilliant: Occasionally basting the chicken with the marinade keeps the meat incredibly moist and intensifies the citrus-oregano flavor profile.
- Rest and Relax: Always let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent and tender.
- Bonus Tip: For an extra flavor boost, try garnishing with fresh oregano leaves or a sprinkle of citrus zest just before serving to brighten the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 95mg
